Coleraine FC has been successful in securing a licence for the sale and consumption of alcohol in their new fanzone, starting at the match against Crusaders on Saturday, September 5.

In partnership with Phat Events, it means home supporters can now purchase alcohol from a fanzone area (located behind the Railway End stand) and take it into the stadium with them for the match.

Provision for away supporters will also be in place.

A spokesperson for Coleraine said: “We strongly warn supporters to drink responsibly and ensure that behaviour does not fall below levels that would lead to an instant stop of the sale of alcohol at the ground.

placeholder image — Coleraine FC has confirmed that the club has been successful in securing a licence that will permit the sale and consumption of alcohol in their brand new fanzone, starting at their match against Crusaders on September 5.

"The club hope that with a successful trial we will be supported to have this in place on a more regular basis for supporters as we aim to improve the matchday experience at The Showgrounds.”

Speaking about the trial, Dale Pryde-MacDonald, Chief Executive Officer at the club, said: “This is a significant moment for our supporters. By having this trial, it will allow us to enhance the matchday experience, launch our new fanzone and create what we hope will be a positive, responsible and enjoyable environment.

“A lot of work has gone in to making this happen and I would personally like to thank Gareth at Phat Events who will be delivering the fanzone food and beverage operations, and also to PSNI who have been a terrific support in education, informing and working with us.

“We have big plans for the fanzone and although it will not be fully finished for the Crusaders game it will still give us a great start for where we want to go with it. Over the next few weeks will be adding overhead coverings so that it can be used in poorer weather in addition to further seating and other features.

“We are delighted that we will have live music in the fanzone for the Crusaders game with Niall Mack keeping people entertained. In addition, all catering units as well as the alcohol unit will be located in the fanzone moving forward.

“The key here is to ensure that we don’t see any behaviours that could lead to us losing the right to sell alcohol to supporters and take away from what is a good milestone for us. It is up to everybody to ensure that we all act in a responsible, respectful, and positive way.”